How I use AI to write better team feedback in less time
Write better team feedback, with a little help from AI
Providing feedback is one of the hardest things to do as a leader.
You want to be honest, but not harsh.
Clear, but not cold.
Supportive, but not vague.
And so we wait. Or we write it. Delete it. Rewrite it. And still wonder if it landed.
That used to be me — until I started using AI to shape the first draft.
✍️ How I do it
Whenever I need to give structured feedback (1-on-1, reflection, growth conversation), I ask ChatGPT something like:
"Write a short, encouraging feedback message for a team member who [situation], including what went well, where they can grow, and how they contribute to the team."
Then I tweak it. I make it personal. I add my tone.
But instead of starting with blank page anxiety, I start with structure — and save 20 minutes of brain fog.
🧠 Why it works
It gets you out of your head
It helps you balance honesty with encouragement
It keeps feedback clear, not corporate
It gives you more time to actually have the conversation — not just craft the message
You’re still the leader. You still choose the words.
But AI becomes your co-writer, not your replacement.
Try this prompt this week:
“Write a short, supportive feedback message for a team member who led a project well, but struggled with deadlines. Make it human, balanced, and clear.”
Then make it yours. Send it. And use the time you saved to connect, not correct.
Coming next:
Next week, I’ll share the 5-minute weekly check-in structure I use with teams to keep alignment high — without meetings that drain the soul.
Until then:
Lead with clarity. Communicate with care. And let tech support your human side.
– Bob
Creator of Lead with Impact
Little disclaimer: the provided prompts in this newsletter are for inspirational use. They are not ‘the magic bullet’. Use them as a starting point and build them out from there.